Best NRFI Bets Today: Guardians to Struggle Against Tarik Skubal

We kick off Monday's slate of NRFIs backing current AL Cy Young betting favorite Tarik Skubal as he looks to further cement his claim for the award with a dominant performance against the Cleveland Guardians. Shortly after the conclusion of their first inning, we fade the Atlanta Braves offense against Hunter Greene as they continue to underwhelm across the board in most key offensive metrics.

For more information about the NRFI market and what factors into them being worth a wager, check out our breakdown of Daily No Run First Inning.

When looking to make a wager on a NRFI, it’s important to acquire as many sportsbooks as you have available to you in order to line shop the volatile market. Each sportsbook also has their own unique signup bonus, giving new users a boost to their bankroll to wager with during the MLB season.

FanDuel Sportsbook for example is giving new users $200 in bonus bets for simply creating an account and winning their first bet of at least $5 wagered. Be sure to wager the $5 on a heavy favorite or alt line immediately after signing up, maximizing your chances of winning and collecting the $200 in bonus bets.

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians - Tarik Skubal vs. Carlos Carrasco (6:40 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-125) at FanDuel

While uncertainty looms over Tarik Skubal’s status with the Tigers as we near the trade deadline, his on field performance should stay relatively consistent as he is one of the best pitchers in the league. Skubal has swiftly climbed up the oddsboard as the betting favorite to win the AL Cy Young award, making quick work of opposing batting lineups by blowing past them with his elite blend of power and accuracy.

Against a Guardians offense that ranks below league average in contact ability, Skubal should continue to limit early inning scoring opportunities as he has all season long with a WHIP of 0.879. His dominance has also been relatively on his own accord, possessing a FIP of 2.57 while the Tigers defense as a whole ranks below league average in Defensive Efficiency.

As for the Tigers offense, they have been severely underwhelming in their 2024 campaign as they rank below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage. A shockingly bad performance for a young team who steadily progressed throughout the 2023 season, coming into 2024 poised to take the next step forward with their production. That has yet to be the case this season and a major reason why they are 11 games back from first in the AL Central standings.

Their consistent low level of play brings some relief in this matchup as the pitcher they are set to face has been as equally as underwhelming. Heading into this AL Central matchup, the Guardians have opted into using Carlos Carrasco who has struggled with keeping opposing batters off the bases and out of scoring position. Carrasco takes the mound with an ERA of 5.02, a WHIP of 1.360, and a FIP of 4.78.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (-125) at FanDuel

Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves - Hunter Greene vs. Reynaldo Lopez (7:20 PM, EST)

Under 0.5 Run (-130) at FanDuel

As if life could not get harder for the Braves offense after the season ending injury to reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr, the Braves will now be without Ozzie Albies who suffered a fractured wrist and will be out for a minimum of eight weeks. A massive blow for an offense that already ranks below league average in Team Total Hits, RBIs, Total Runs Scored, and On Base Percentage, now needing to find answers in a pinch on how to mask his loss of production.

Without Albies, the Braves top of their batting order loses an elite contact hitter and speedster on the bases who poses a serious scoring threat when on base. That alleviates some pressure off of the Reds Hunter Greene’s shoulders who is tasked with shutting down the Braves offense in this matchup. Greene takes the mound with an ERA of 3.34, a WHIP of 1.115, 78 Hits Against, and 41 Earned Runs Allowed in 19 games played.

As for the Braves defense, they roll out Reynaldo Lopez who has been one of their lone consistent sources of production. With an ERA of 1.88 and WHIP of 1.171, Lopez has excelled at limiting opposing scoring opportunities. Expect Lopez to continue to build on his successful 2024 campaign against the Reds as Cincinnati's offense ranks below league average in On Base Percentage and bottom three in Team Total Hits.

Bet on Under 0.5 Run (-130) at FanDuel

More MLB Best Bets Today

• Best YRFI Bets Today 

• Best MLB Prop Bets Today

• Best MLB Parlay Picks Today

• Best MLB Betting Sites and Apps

• Best MLB Promo Codes and Betting Bonuses